In his first interview, Jasper was shown a drawing of a hydroelectric dam, and was asked to work out some fluid flows with it using energy. Looking back I kind of enjoyed the questions in a weird way.”, Abi says the interviews are quite difficult to prepare for, and that this can be daunting. They guide you to this point using a series of questions.”. What is your favourite word? Is an understanding of rhythm important when writing poetry? How would you describe an apple? Oliver had two interviews at different colleges - one with a management tutor and one with an economics tutor. 2. The English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT) is a pre-interview test for applicants to English courses at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The interviews at Oxford are designed to replicate the tutorial system that you will experience as a student. Tell me about your coursework. Subject Interview Guides. Over 1000 past questions to help you prepare for your interview and get into Oxford. What is the difference between poetry and prose? Efforts by Oxford University to elucidate its interview process and soothe applicants’ nerves got under way this week with the annual release of sample questions and – … If you could make up a word, what would it be? Paulina was then asked what she thought about the text, and they covered certain points that the tutor wanted to highlight. This, and the fact that Oxford interviews are likened to a verbal academic test - they’re notoriously tough, unpredictable, and difficult to prepare for. 17th October 2011 . This is all very general stuff about where to eat, who to ask for help etc. That’s because the interviews will get harder and harder until you reach a level where can’t respond anymore. Demonstrate your subject knowledge about and passion for English As a result, she didn’t feel that the first interview went well at all, and was convinced she wouldn’t get in. It might sound like the setup to dodgy cracker joke, but this … Interview questions help employers assess the job skills of each candidate and determine whether they are a good fit for the job and the culture of the company. What are the interview arrangements for international students? Emily says it’s important to have a clear mind for the interview, and says that preparing well in advance is the key to de-stressing on the day. Sample Oxford questions (source: Oxbridge Applications): 1. Paulina says, “It’s important not to be scared about the amount of notes the tutor is taking - there’s not a clue as to whether you’re doing something right or wrong.”. In English language and literature Oxford and Cambridge took first and second place respectively, the only two UK universities in the top 10 for the subject. Define tragedy? Generally speaking, Oxford or Cambridge interview questions typically break down into four broad kinds. “You can say silly things and still get into Oxford - they don’t expect perfection,” she says. How do pirates divide their treasure? For the human geography interview, Liam was given a map of the world at night which showed lights across the world, and was asked to talk about the Middle East and what was interesting there. Usually your interview will take place on Skype or over the telephone (or even in person). Tilly had three interviews over three days for English. As she says, “Interviewers are not trying to put you in a position where you’re not able to answer the question. We talked to Oxford students who interviewed for the following courses: Crimson will assist you with every part of the application process: from school subject and course specific test tutoring, to personal statement composition and interview preparation. Happy reading! Oxford & Cambridge (Oxbridge) Interview questions are renowned for being obscure and out-of-the box. Once your application has been accepted, your chosen college will usually get in touch asking if you would like to be interviewed via Skype or in-person. Example Oxbridge Interview Questions. Oxford University released the questions prospective candidates will face at their entrance interview. To what extent is Romeo a rebel? Was Shakespeare a rebel? – Ladybirds are red. Should politicians study English? What books are bad for you? Find out more about our Admission Support service. As Jasper explains, “Engineering is fairly unusual at Oxford in that the interviews are always structured exactly the same. Our Subject Interview Guides help you to prepare and go into your interview with confidence. Candidates may well be interviewed by more than one college during their stay in Oxford; as with pre-interview reallocation, this is to ensure that the best candidates gain places in the University regardless of the competition in particular … Like any standard interview, your Oxbridge interview may kick-off with an utterly predictable 'ice-breaker' question intended to put you at your ease. At the beginning of December, shortlisted candidates will come to Oxford to be interviewed by tutors. – Here’s a cactus. To account for this, the questions she was asked were less focused. Do … Once a candidate has read over the poem for fifteen or twenty minutes, their interview may begin with … How is poetry linked to music and media? Offers of places are made at each college on the basis of your school or college record, samples of your work on English literature (or language and literature), your ELAT results, an interview, and your past or future results in A levels (or whatever other exams you may be taking); more flexible criteria operate for mature students. Interview sessions are considered tough by many,as it involves speaking out.Here are some commonly asked questions in Interview & methods to answer them. Like any standard interview, your Oxbridge interview may kick-off with an utterly predictable 'ice-breaker' question intended to put you at your ease. Oxford Online English - Study English online with professional, native speaker teachers. In one interview, Paulina received a passage in German and was asked to go through it and think about what it says. Alissa had two interviews at different colleges, both of which were subject-based. Tilly describes the third interview as “quite hard and more nerve-wracking, but also enjoyable.”. The interviews are very different to curriculum biology, so revising your syllabus isn’t going to help you.” As an example, Emily was shown an insect and asked why it had wings. It’s important to stay calm in interviews- and knowing you’re prepared helps a lot. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and personality. If you have any questions at all about this paper, or difficulties getting hold of these texts, please get in touch with me by email: hannah.ryley@ell.ox.ac.uk. A university interviewer will be very likely to give you the opportunity to ask them questions, and it is advisable to come prepared with a few. So are strawberries. Every year Oxford University releases sample questions to give candidates a taste of what their interviews will be like. The second interview focused on my personal statement and I was asked questions relating to books, plays, speeches and so on I had mentioned in my personal statement, so focusing on ancient history and literature. It’s a pretty tall order, I know. Five examples of Oxford University interview questions. Is the Bible a fictional work? Oxford Interview Questions. Practise speaking about your subject and your thoughts about what you’ve seen or read - these don’t have to be formal ‘mock interviews’, instead they could be chats with teachers, friends, or members of your family.